Raphiolepis indica cv. Monruce

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct selection of Raphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. shrub (known popularly as Indian Hawthorn) which shall be referred to hereinafter as Raphiolepis indica cultivar Monruce. Raphiolepis indica cultivar Monruce differs distinctively from its parent, Raphiolepis indica cultivar Enchantress by my new selection having a more dense growth habit, a compact inflorescence, and double flowers with large spreading light pink petals.

DISCOVERY

This invention relates to a new and distinct selection of Raphiolepisindica, a member of the rose family, Rosaceae. Raphiolepis indica cv.Monruce was discovered as a chance seedling among Raphiolepis indica`Enchantress` at Monrovia Nursery Company, 18331 E. Foothill Boulevard,Azusa, Calif. in April of 1976.

The plant to date is known to exist only within the boundaries ofMonrovia Nursery and has not been offered for sale or described in anypublication.

REPRODUCTION

My new selection has been strictly asexually reproduced by cuttings atMonrovia Nursery Company. The distinct phenotypic characteristics ofthis selection that set this plant apart from the parent plant would belost genetically through sexual reproduction. Therefore, propagation isrestricted to asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction isprohibited.

CHARACTERISTICS

The accompanying illustrations show a typical specimen of the plantaccording to this invention and are depicted in color as nearly true aspossible.

Raphiolepis indica cv. Monruce differs from its parent Raphiolepisindica cv. Enchantress in its distinct open double flowers with largepink petals and a more dense inflorescence. These attributes of our newselection are shown in the lower photograph.

The upper photograph displays the dense compact overall growth habit ofmy new selection.

My new selection, Raphiolepis indica cv. Monruce was deliberatelyselected for the attributes mentioned above and shown in theaccompanying photos.

DESCRIPTION

Below is a detailed description of the new Raphiolepis indica cv.Monruce, the color terminology is from the British Horticultural ColourCharts.

Overall size and habit: Evergreen, dense, at maturity (3-4 yrs.) plantapproximately 3 feet in height and width.

Foliage:

Size.--1 to 13/4" wide and 2 to 21/2" in width.

Shape.--Variable, narrow to wide elliptic to wide spatulate, tipacuminate to mucronate, base attenuate.

Color.--Upper surface -- Spinach Green 0960. Lower surface -- Fern Green0862/1.

Margins.--Upper two thirds -- serrate. Lower one third -- entire.

Texture.--Coriaceous.

Arrangement.--Alternate.

Pubescence.--Young growth wooly pubescent mature growth completelyglabrous.

Petioles.--1/2 to 3/4 inch in length. Fern Green 0862/1. Slightlypubescent.

Inflorescence:

Size.--2 to 31/2" wide. 21/2 to 4" long.

Shape.--Dense, broad pyramidal panicle.

Flower color.--Inner center -- white. Petal tips and outer portion --Rhodamine Pink 527/3. Inner petals -- blushed with darker Rhodamine Pink527/2. Fading to white with age.

Petal size.--1/4 to 3/8" in length. 3/16 to 1/4" in width.

Petal shape.--Spatulate to obovate.

Petal margin.--Slightly laciniate at top; tip emarginate sometimesmucronate.

Petal number.--Double flower. 7 to 10 petals per flower are generallyconstant.

Peduncle.--3/8" in length, wooly pubescent.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct selection of Raphiolepis as substantiallyshown and described herein, that is characterized by a dense growthhabit; a compact inflorescence; flowers double and with large spreadinglight pink petals.